Federal Protocols for Emergency Response
Federal protocols for emergency response are located in the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, NIMS, and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), which was amended by Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) of 1986.
- The Governor of Ohio has the authority to ask the President to declare an emergency within the State. The President would then determine whether or not the emergency requires federal assistance.
- When the President issues an emergency, there will be a minimum of three national response teams. Each team will coordinate with state and local officials. The National Response Framework is located within NIMS and provides the structure and mechanisms for incident management.
- CERCLA is a federal statute that deals with hazardous substances and any releases involving hazardous substances.